'Idle No More' protests

January 7, 2013

What began as a hunger strike by Attawapiskat chief Theresa Spence has grown into a nationwide movement, as First Nations groups across Canada are rallying to have their voices heard in Ottawa. Hundreds of supporters have been showing up at shopping centres and along highways to spread awareness.

Hundreds of demonstrators gather in front of the Manitoba legislature for an Idle No More rally late Monday afternoon.

Hundreds of demonstrators gather in front of the Manitoba legislature for an Idle No More rally late Monday afternoon.

Idle No More supporters formed a circle in front of Colonial Building during a demonstration on Sunday.

Idle No More supporters formed a circle in front of Colonial Building during a demonstration on Sunday.

Supporters of the Idle No More movement took part in a sunrise ceremony at Montreal's Place des Arts Monday.

Supporters of the Idle No More movement took part in a sunrise ceremony at Montreal's Place des Arts Monday.

Organizers of the Yukon Idle No More movement have opted for peaceful protests instead of highway and railway blockades. The group has been holding a prayer circle at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre since Wednesday.

Organizers of the Yukon Idle No More movement have opted for peaceful protests instead of highway and railway blockades. The group has been holding a prayer circle at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre since Wednesday.

The Idle No More march ended on the Halifax Common with a round dance.

The Idle No More march ended on the Halifax Common with a round dance.

Idle No More protesters gather near the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont. on Wednesday as part of the grassroots movement's national day of action.

Idle No More protesters gather near the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont. on Wednesday as part of the grassroots movement's national day of action.

Several hundred Idle No More protesters shut down traffic on the Pat Bay Highway north of Victoria on Wednesday morning.

Several hundred Idle No More protesters shut down traffic on the Pat Bay Highway north of Victoria on Wednesday morning.

Idle No More protesters from Berens River march in downtown Winnipeg on Wednesday as part of a national day of action.

Idle No More protesters from Berens River march in downtown Winnipeg on Wednesday as part of a national day of action.

The Idle No More movement has galvanized native and non-natives alike, says Paul Martin.

The Idle No More movement has galvanized native and non-natives alike, says Paul Martin.